Levy plan taxes nerves

By Melissa Meehan
CARDINIA Shire residents say they are exhausted from the uncertainty of the Growth Area Infrastructure Contribution tax.
More than 20 residents met with Gembrook Liberal Party candidate Brad Battin in Officer on Monday to discuss their plight.
They are concerned about State Government plans to introduce a new law that will levy the tax in order to pay for infrastructure in Melbourne’s newly expanding south-eastern suburbs.
Officer residents Graem e and Audrey Dodson said they are relying on the sale of their property.
“I have lived here all my life and in the end this property is my superannuation,” Mr Dodson said.
“The GAIC will tax $11 million dollars on my property.
Clyde farmer Winsome Anderson described waiting on decisions about the tax as “upsetting to the soul”.
“I just feel like I don’t care about my property any more,” she said. “I don’t want to spend money repairing a fence if in five years some developer is going to come in and tear the place down.
“It’s like I don’t want to be here, but I can’t go anywhere – no one wants to buy the land since the tax is pushing up the price.”
All present at the meeting said the tax has affected their ability to sell their land. “The prices of land here isn’t as high as the Government thinks,” Ms Anderson said.
“And by charging the tax the Government is giving the developers the ability to squeeze the extra cost out of what we sell the land for.”
Pakenham resident Val Williamson said the GAIC would hurt farmers in the end.
“Its absurd to think that for 12 hectares there would be close to a $10 million tax,” Mrs Williamson said.
“There needs to be a fair go for everyone.”
Mr Battin said he was concerned about farmers in Cardinia Shire being affected by the GAIC. “The Liberal Party has said they will oppose the tax,” he said.
A spokesman for the State Government said that it was hoped the Bill would pass.
“We want to see the Bill debated and passed so we can provide the infrastructure and services families in Melbourne’s growing suburbs need and deserve,” he said.
“The lazy Opposition has not been forthcoming with any formal proposal to amend the Bill despite repeated requests from the Government.
He said the Government had consulted widely and had attempted to negotiate with the Opposition, and was still willing to discuss the issue.